Looking for ways to save money in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor? In this video, Nicole makes 10 Great Depression–era recipes that prove resourceful cooking can still be delicious nearly a century later. From pantry staples to clever substitutions, she shares thrifty tips and techniques inspired by home cooks of the 1930s — all while whipping up comforting, old-fashioned meals that stand the test of time.
We start with Hoover Stew, a hearty mix of pasta, beans, and canned goods that fed families across America, followed by a nostalgic Poor Man’s Meal of potatoes, onions, and hot dogs. Nicole then makes a simple Egg Drop Soup, crispy Stuffed Potato Pancakes, and savory Eggs with Peppers and Potatoes that turn humble ingredients into something special. Next up are Cabbage and Noodles, creamy Chipped Beef on Toast, and homemade Depression Bread that’s easy, soft, and satisfying. Finally, she brings a touch of sweetness with Water Pie and Wacky Cake — two desserts that stretch ingredients while still feeling indulgent.
Whether you’re cooking on a budget, love vintage recipes, or just want a cozy kitchen project, these Depression-era dishes show how simple cooking can be comforting, clever, and timeless.
Timestamps:
0:00 – 10 Great Depression Recipes
0:25 – Hoover Stew
3:44 – Poor Man’s Meal
6:43 – Egg Drop Soup
8:42 – Stuffed Potato Pancakes
11:20 – Eggs with Peppers and Potatoes
13:52 – Cabbage and Noodles
16:07 – Creamed Chipped Beef
16:37 – Homemade Bread
19:52 – Water Pie
21:25 – Wacky Cake
Get the recipes here:
Poor Man’s Meal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OPQqH3YlHA
Egg Drop Soup: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/173738/easy-egg-drop-soup/
Stuffed Potato Pancakes: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/206817/delicious-stuffed-potato-pancakes/
Cabbage and Noodles: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/220716/haluski-cabbage-and-noodles/
Creamed Chipped Beef: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20225/creamed-chipped-beef-on-toast/
Water Pie: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-water-pie/
Wacky Cake: https://www.allrecipes.com/wacky-cake-recipe-11687015
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My grandmother would mix chopped hard boiled eggs with buttered rice and serve it with fried fish.
My mama just passed and said they did not have noodles during the depression available to them she was 96. Mainly sausage, biscuits and gravy was a main stay and add eggs. They never had hot dogs either.
For the water pie, can you use a different extract to flavor it? i.e. lemon, almond, etc.?
I love your cooking videos. You are so down to earth and have great recipes! My favorite!
fry those potato skins!!!!
I like to eat mac and tomatoes., still now. I’m 76 years old.
I remember my mother making brown gravy over bread or biscuits. All she did was cook grease in a skillet with flour and browned the flour until it was as dark as she like stirred in water, added salt and pepper to taste. If we were lucky, we put it over a bologna sandwich. Please try this you'll like it.
My own version of potatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs… I fry up the first 3 ingredients and when done, I add the eggs whole, in the center of the pan or on top of the potatoes. Then I put the lid back on with a sprinkle of water on the underside (to create steam), and cook at a lower heat. When the eggs turn milky white on top, they're done. The eggs will be runny and make the whole dish scrumptious. I like a little ketchup on the side. 😋 I ate this twice this week already.
SOS chipped beef was an occasional luxury growing up. I recall tuna noodle casserole once in awhile, too. Most of the time we had macaroni and baked beans.
In the 60's I could buy a weeks with of groceries for 2 for 20.00. Rent was 30.00 a month and beautiful. Included air conditioning.
anyone else find it depressing that there’s a lot of content recently about how to be poor